While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep people thinking positively. Click on the links to learn more. Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle: Every week day, Philip shares a little insider information and beautiful music about an important composer. Take 5… Read More →
“Sometimes you don’t know you needed something until it arrives.” —VocalEssence Singer about our Take 5 with GPS Live Stream Let’s be honest. It’s been hard. Every time we watch a choir video, listen to our favorite song, or cross off a concert on a schedule, we long for the time when we can come… Read More →
We asked Artistic Director Philip Brunelle what past concert brings him joy during this topsy turvy time and below is his response. “Obviously, out of hundreds of concerts it is difficult for me to select one concert—but I would choose the concert on March 9, 1974 when we performed the premiere of Dominick Argento’s’ cantata,… Read More →
We hope you are safe and find ways to make the best of this pause that we are experiencing. Below is a status update for our organization. SING WITH US VIRTUALLY While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep people… Read More →
Artistic Director Philip Brunelle and Associate Conductor | Learning and Engagement Director G. Phillip Shoultz, III are finding inspiration from so many places during this time. Read a few words from them below. Philip Brunelle I have found these words from Dr. Randall Bradley, Professor Church Music at Baylor University very uplifting: “I long for… Read More →
While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep people thinking positively. Click on the links to learn more. Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle: Every week day, Philip shares a little insider information and beautiful music about an important composer. Take 5… Read More →
We hope you are safe and find ways to make the best of this pause that we are experiencing. Below is a status update of our upcoming events. Sing with Us Virtually While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep… Read More →
By ROB HUBBARD | Special to the Pioneer Press March 28, 2020 at 1:37 p.m. Article: https://www.twincities.com/2020/03/28/coronavirus-classical-what-you-can-do-to-get-an-earful-of-orchestra-or-opera/ While you sometimes have to look long and hard to find positives amid the COVID-19 crisis, one may be that folks who used to think of themselves as consumers of art now recognize that they are part of an artistic… Read More →
Ysaÿe M. Barnwell | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Moses Hogan | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle https://www.vocalessence.org/what-we-do/virtual-projects/musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/andre-thomas-musical-moments-with-philip-brunelle/ Steve Heitzeg | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Randall Davidson | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Timothy Takach | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Dominick Argento | Musical Moments with Philip Brunelle Carol Barnett… Read More →
Our thoughts are with you and your families as we write this. While VocalEssence is physically distancing, we continue to look for ways to use the healing power of music to socially connect and keep people thinking positively. We encourage regular visits to vocalessence.org, and will offer updates by email on how we can continue to sing together… Read More →
By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune Published: FEBRUARY 18, 2020 — 10:57AM http://www.startribune.com/for-30-years-vocalessence-s-witness-program-has-celebrated-black-music/567972202/ G. Phillip Shoultz III brings the Witness program to 40 schools each year. “Thirty years ago, Black History Month was just a mention on Minnesota Public Radio, and maybe a concert here or there. There wasn’t anything sustained here… Read More →
By Terry Blain | Special to the Star Tribune Published: FEBRUARY 17, 2020 — 8:40AM http://www.startribune.com/vocalessence-explores-deep-roots-of-african-american-music-the-week-s-best-classical-concerts/567887142/ Bearing ‘Witness’ Thirty years ago, Philip Brunelle’s choir VocalEssence initiated a project called “Witness,” which aimed to “celebrate the artistic contributions of African-Americans to the fine arts and to our common cultural heritage.” The anniversary is marked this week… Read More →
Multiple authors | Star Tribune February 14, 2020 – 11:10 PM: http://www.startribune.com/best-of-the-week-feb-16-23-tove-lo-joe-henry-gotta-dance-raphael-saadiq-vocalessence-winter-fest-more/567872132/ Behold Lo Like a raunchier and rowdier version of her fellow Swedish export Robyn, electro-pop singer Tove Lo has made a bigger splash in dance clubs and viral listening quarters than on pop radio, earning her a sizable underground following. She sticks to… Read More →
For Artistic Director and Founder Philip Brunelle, February is always ‘planning month’ putting together all the music for the 2020-21 season—choosing the repertoire for each concert, working with composers on commissions and also looking at plans for 2021-22! And with Philip’s creative mind it is also an important time for him to help find those… Read More →
By Terry Blain | Star Tribune Published: December 26, 2019 http://www.startribune.com/best-of-the-decade/566133041/?refresh=true#classical 10. “Candide” 2019-Philip Brunelle’s VocalEssence turned 50 with a joyful take on Bernstein’s operetta, brilliantly re-imagined as a 1930s radio broadcast by Peter Rothstein. 9. It’s Raining Grammys-Discs of Sibelius by the Minnesota Orchestra (2014) and Schubert by the SPCO (2018) won the ultimate… Read More →
